More at source

As the deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest for purchasing the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) draws near, the Bureau of Public Enterprises says investors who do not pay the non-refundable application fee of $25,000 will automatically be disqualified.

Reiterating the importance of the application fee, in a telephone interview with NEXT, the spokesperson for the bureau, Chigbo Anichebe, revealed that only nine out of the 14 prospective investors that have expressed interest in participating in the bidding process for NITEL's privatisation have paid the statutory sum.

Mr. Anichebe noted: "Some investors would automatically disqualify themselves if they don't pay their $25,000 non-refundable application fees," adding that those who have paid have been granted access into the data room,